SCHEDULES

(a)maintain proper accounts and other records relating to accounts in accordance with directions of the [F1Department of Justice]; and

(b)prepare in respect of each accounting period a statement of accounts in such form as the [F1Department of Justice] with the approval of the [F2Department of Finance and Personnel] may direct and submit it to the [F1Department of Justice] at such time as [F3the Department of Justice] may direct.

(2) The [F1Department of Justice] shall, on or before 30th November in any year, send to the [F4Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland] the statement of accounts prepared by the Board under this paragraph for the accounting period last ended.

(3) The [F4Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland] shall examine, certify and report on the statement of accounts sent to him under this paragraph and shall lay copies of the statement of accounts and of his report thereon before [F5the Assembly].

(4) In this paragraph “accounting period” means the period of 12 months ending on 31st March in any year except that the first accounting period shall, if the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury so directs, be such period shorter or longer than 12 months (but not longer than two years) as is specified in the directionF6. . . .